My Boss at the Strip Club is Now a Sex Worker?
Sex Work Terminology Misleading the Public
Language is not merely a tool for communication; it shapes our perceptions, reinforces power structures, and influences societal norms. Over time, shifts in language use reflect evolving ideologies, economic priorities, and political strategies. One notable trend is the deliberate rebranding of words, particularly in corporate and governmental contexts—such as referring to employees as "associates" or replacing terms with euphemistic alternatives. These changes, while seemingly subtle, carry profound implications for power dynamics and individual agency, and extend to sex work.
Language and Power
Philosophers such as Ludwig Wittgenstein and Michel Foucault have long examined the relationship between language and power. Wittgenstein, in his later works, argued that the meaning of words is rooted in their use within specific language games. Suggesting that changes in terminology are not just cosmetic but redefine the way we understand roles, identities, and responsibilities. Foucault, on the other hand, explored how discourse is a tool of control, shaping what is considered normal or acceptable within a society.
The Language of the Workplace
One of the most pervasive shifts in language has occurred within the corporate world. Companies increasingly refer to their workers as "associates," "team members," or "partners" rather than "employees." This linguistic shift suggests a more egalitarian and collaborative environment, but in many cases, it is a strategic move to obscure hierarchical relationships and discourage unionization. By framing workers as part of a collective rather than as individuals with contractual labor rights, corporations subtly reinforce loyalty while minimizing the perception of exploitation.
George Orwell
Beyond corporate terminology, political discourse frequently adapts language to frame policy decisions in a favorable light. George Orwell famously warned of this phenomenon in 1984, coining the term "Newspeak" to describe a language designed to limit thought and reinforce government control. Today, policies once described as "austerity measures" are reframed as "fiscal responsibility," while "civilian casualties" become "collateral damage." These shifts manipulate public perception, making controversial policies more palatable.
My Boss at the Strip Club is Now a Sex Worker?
Another instance of language being strategically redefined is the term “sex work”—a phrase that, while widely accepted, carries misleading implications. Even if one does not identify as a capitalist or believe sex is “work” in a traditional sense, the term has been imposed as the default, shaping both discourse and policy. This renaming reflects not just a description but an agenda—one that positions sex workers as commodities within the capitalist framework. However, many in the industry reject this framing. Sex work, for them, is not simply a transactional product but a means of existing outside of conventional labor structures, one where relationships hold economic components but are not dictated by capitalist exploitation.
Under the broad and ambiguous label of sex work, crucial distinctions disappear. There is a vast difference between a person working in a strip club, an online content creator, a brothel owner, or someone running an advertising platform. The current definition blurs the lines between those who perform the labor and those who profit from it. By this logic, even Elon Musk could technically be labeled a sex worker—yet no sex worker would ever consider their boss, a brothel owner, a strip club manager, or a tech mogul in control of advertising platforms to be doing the work. If it’s not your body, you aren’t the one engaging in sex work. This deliberate vagueness serves a capitalist agenda, transforming the sex industry into a seamless commodity while obscuring the exploitative hierarchies that define it. Rather than clarifying the realities of labor, this linguistic shift is a marketing ploy, one designed to erase autonomy and reinforce economic control over those performing the work.
So what?
While language naturally evolves, intentional shifts in terminology can have real-world consequences. When corporations redefine job roles, they influence labor expectations and worker rights. When governments reframe policies, they shape public sentiment and political action. These language changes are not merely rhetorical—they structure power, perception, and social relations. The dilution of terms like "employee," "civilian casualties," or "sex worker" complicates meaningful discourse, as different groups use the same words to advance conflicting ideologies. Understanding these linguistic trends is essential to recognizing how language shapes thought and influences behavior. By critically examining the words we use and their meanings, we can resist manipulative language practices and foster more transparent, equitable communication.
Gil Scott Heron his tory https://youtube.com/shorts/AuNsfSN6yzM?si=ZqRO31P0G1KK8a0Jhttps://youtu.be/iR1jzExZ9T0?si=wkjFsm0P3xbgkhAr
Chomsky on having a job https://youtu.be/iR1jzExZ9T0?si=JWsHtQqfe-YckeF_
What "Orwellian" really means - Noah Tavlin https://youtu.be/oe64p-QzhNE?si=UMng-KIyk0K6P8ZY
McCain: Corporations are not people https://youtu.be/PjAsOP2AiwY?si=2LJukVD3S2NSNZvM
"Corporations Are Not People": Activists Push Amendment to Revoke "Corporate Personhood" https://youtu.be/w8GlJC2cyxI?si=hrJZiA7S7XMJumKd
Fmr. Facebook Exec: Social Media Ripping Apart Society, “You are programmed." [Chamath Palihapitiya] https://youtu.be/d6e1riShmak?si=458CxMeD3V2RVoRh